Zizi the affectionate couch is a couch that supports you not only
physically but also emotionally. She is a hybrid mixture of a shaved poodle,
a fluffy cat and an exotic sea slug. Zizi growls when sat upon,
purrs when touched and groans with delight when you stroke her fur. If
left alone, she mews for attention.

In stark contrast to a Tamagotchi or an Aibo, Zizi the affectionate couch is a tactile robot – a couch that supports you emotionally as well as physically.

Inspired by the fluffy flight deck on board Barbarella: Queen of the Galaxy’s space-ship, Zizi the affectionate couch is an experiment in human computer interface, making a move away from the screen and mouse based interactives that are the dominant paradigm in media art works.